oldRN85

Do what one of my coworkers did in a similar situation. First, respond politely that "the patient will not get the consent signed because you did not clearly state the procedure. When you are willing to discuss this respectfully, please call me back at ----------." Then hang up on him. Second, write a risk management report up on the doctor's behavior. In the situation I mentioned, this doctor did this a lot with the nursing staff. His contract with the hospital was eventually terminated by the hospital due to poor behavior. Most hospitals have a policy on harrassment.

Guess that is what we can expect from a former EMT. Many frequently have a false sense of superiority.

RUN, don't walk! I had a similar situation several years ago working in an ICU. I finally quit after 6 weeks when I was assigned 7 different patients in one 12-hour shift, including a fresh open heart. I never regretted that decision. Since it sounds like you have another opportunity, I would take it in a heartbeat.

Can I encourage you not to give up? What you are experiencing is "sticker shock", aka reality shock. Nursing school absolutely does not prepare you to practice nursing. And a 1-month orientation for a new grad is abysmal. Start by going to your clinical educator. Or your manager. Talk about your struggles and need for more orientation. My first nursing job was a high acuity tele unit at a big hospital and I felt overwhelmed because all of us were new grads. I was put in charge just 6 months out of school. I would also encourage you to journal your challenges and successes the first year. It helps to put things in perspective. I am currently putting together a new grad orientation program so we can hire our first new grads into ICU. Your perspectives are enlightening and will help future nurses through this transition.

If your hospital does not pay for it, here is a work around. I used to do it for my staff that got specialty certified. On their evaluations, they get a higher point percentage and a bigger raise. This way they are indirectly compensated for their certification. And I would have my I.D. badge redone to reflect certification. When patients ask, you can explain.

It bothers the h--- out of me. As one of those 4.0 students, it upsets me that this type of generalization is made. We are instructed in nursing school not to make assumptions, yet these instructors are doing just that. I have often been asked why I was a nurse instead of a doctor, as if nurses are second class. My response....we need smart nurses too! They are the ones who are with you the entire shift and are the ones evaluating your condition changes and deciding if they need to notify the physician or not. I am highly respected by both my peers and physicians BECAUSE I am a smart nurse! I want a smart nurse caring for me!